Marriage and Sexuality Part 3 — Witness to the Truth

Bishop Paul S. Loverde

9/21/16

Following is the third in a
six-part series
by Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde on forming our consciences as Catholics prior to the November presidential election.

It both baffles and saddens me to think that what used to be taken for granted as obviously and unquestionably true is now not only questioned, but sometimes even ridiculed as either “old fashioned,” or worse, even bigoted.

In particular, I am thinking of one of the most fundamental truths of God's creation: that He made our first parents male and female, and that for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and cling to his wife and the two shall become as one flesh (Mt. 19:5).

As Catholics we believe that marriage can only be between one man and one woman.

This truth is revealed by God in the Scriptures and the Tradition of the Church, and moreover, it is also a part of the natural law, capable of being known by human reason apart from explicit religious faith.

In forming our consciences as we prepare to participate in the upcoming elections, it is necessary for us to consider candidates' positions on issues that pertain to marriage and human sexuality.

Our Church consistently and unequivocally affirms the dignity and value of every human person, because we are all created in the image and likeness of God.

Our affirmation of the dignity of every human life of course includes those who experience same-sex attraction, and leads us to condemn all forms of unjust discrimination and every manner of violence.

This same affirmation leads us to insist that any laws, court decisions and government regulations that affirm a “right” to same-sex “marriage” are unjust, because they both ignore the truth and are contrary to the natural law.

Pope Francis recently affirmed what is not only the Church's consistent teaching, but also the truth that may be known by reason alone, namely, that “Creation is prior to us and must be received as a gift. … We are called to protect our humanity, and this means … accepting it and respecting it as it was created” (“Amoris Laetitia,” no. 56).

In evaluating the candidates who seek our votes, and the platforms of the parties which they represent, it is necessary that we consider their positions on the nature of marriage and the truth of human sexuality.

Candidates' positions on questions such as these reveal their willingness to acknowledge and embrace the truth. And the truth that we speak of us is more fundamental than any policy position, party platform, or particular religious teachings … it is rooted in human nature.

I will always insist that it is never “old fashioned,” and most certainly never “bigoted,” to be a witness to the truth with regard to marriage, human sexuality, and all of the important issues that confront our society.

In a society such as ours that places such great value on liberty, may we always remember the words of our Lord Who reminds us that it is the truth that sets us free! (Jn. 8:31-32)